Maravi

Wasted maize stocks to cost FRA K800m

Wasted maize stocks to cost FRA K800m
By Florence Bupe
Tuesday April 15, 2008 [04:00]

THE Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is expected to lose over K800 million due to wasted maize stocks for the 2007/08 marketing season. In an interview, FRA public relations officer Mwamba Siame disclosed that maize wastage had been recorded at various depots around the country, especially in Petauke, Chisamba, Isoka, Kasama and Kalomo.

"The FRA recorded 5,000 metric tomes of under-grade maize in the 2007/8 marketing season, representing 0.8 per cent of the total stock, which is currently being sold," Siame said.

"As the crop is being moved, the quantity of under-grade maize is likely to increase because that's the time when the stocks are being separated and sorted after being in stock for a long time."
The agency is selling good grain (grade A) at US$190 (approximately K623,426) per metric tonne, while under-grade maize is pegged at K500,000 per tonne.

Siame acknowledged that the type of storage being used by FRA had aggravated the problem of maize wastage.

"The type of storage being used by the agency has exacerbated the problem, as the number of storage sheds could not accommodate all the stocks and the grain silos are not operational," Siame said.
"Consequently, two thirds of the crop has been on open slabs covered with PVC tarpaulins."

She disclosed that FRA has partnered with the Grain Marketing Board of Zimbabwe for the rehabilitation of the Lusaka-Mungwi silo and the construction of sheds under the Chinese Project across the country.

Siame also said the agency had embarked on an extensive fumigation exercise to prevent the grain from further damage.

Labels: FRA, MAIZE

posted by MrK @ 5:25 AM